Expert: Jamie Yocono - 9/10/2009

Question
Hi,

I got quotes from two cabinet makers for my kitchen. One is using poplar/birch for my drawers and the other one is using baltic birch. The  one who will use pb gave me a lower quote then the one who will use bb. Is baltic birch better?  

Answer
Emily,

Are you sure you got that right? Baltic Birch is plywood, which should not only be cheaper to buy, but also cheaper to use. Since your cabinetmaker can cut it up into any width you want, he/she won't have to spend time gluing boards together to make wider boards. And they don't have to edgeband it, either. So it's not only a cost saving material, but a time saver, too.

As to which is better, it's hard to say. They're both fine for drawers. Poplar/Birch might be slightly more durable than plywood. It also depends on the look you want. I don't mind the look of a plywood edge, especially a BB edge, which has less voids. So if you don't mind the look of it, it's a great material.

Honestly, I would recommend either material. I would probably vote with my wallet, and choose the solid wood.

Hope this helps. Write back if you have more questions.


Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com